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The first pregnancy is a crazy eye-opener. You can never totally be prepared for what’s about to hit you. The realities of being pregnant can surprise you in so many ways, especially with your energy levels plummeting while your responsibilities skyrocket. The single life you’ve led or even life as a couple is nothing like being a parent. Everything changes drastically. If you’re in the same boat as any other new parent, all that you’re about to read here will seem relatable. If advice is all you’re looking for, we’d suggest you have an open mind and perhaps laugh a little since laughter is perhaps one of those few things that do good to your pregnancy!
When expecting a baby, your body and mind will zoom through untold changes, some unique to you and some shared by all. Nonetheless, if you’re a mom-to-be, here are a few surprising transformations that pregnancy gifts you (some, for life), things you’ll probably never be prepared for:
1. Your Life Turns Upside Down
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Pregnancy means that you are somehow forced to rethink your priorities. The tiny one growing inside your belly affects how you work, eat, sleep, or even poop. Most importantly, someone you still haven’t met becomes your priority — you’ll do anything and everything for them. Are you addicted to coffee or sushi? Do you have more shoes than the space to store them?
Out of the blue, things that were once dear to you seem tradable when they pose risks to your baby’s health. Even your finances get restructured — you’ll find yourself saving that extra penny to pay for baby formula, child care, or new clothes for your little one that’s soon to arrive. Stay prepared to bid farewell to most of your shopping habits, choice of garments, or food as you get ready to welcome parenthood.
2. Feeling Nauseous Throughout The Day
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For some lucky moms-to-be, morning sickness is a bit of uneasiness, usually in the morning, which can be cured immediately with a few nibbles of crackers. But for others, it is not easy — morning sickness can be a constant reoccurrence throughout the day (and evening). However you address it, nausea or vomiting equals a continuous visit to the nearest trash bin or washroom. You’ll soon begin living with it like you were never without it (1).
3. The Weekly Obsessions
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With the advent of modern technology, lives have become easier, but it’s not without a price. Since advances in medicine allow every little development in your body to be tracked accurately, it’s easy to become obsessed with the littlest happenings, often robbing you of precious sleep and peace. Remember that each one’s pregnancy is different. You need to understand your body and its progress during this time, instead of the internet or hearsays. Keep in mind that your doctor is your most trusted buddy to answer your questions or solve your problems.
4. You’re Highly Sensitive
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Pregnancy can make your hormones go topsy turvy. You’ll suddenly feel more emotional, taking everything personally, and yes, the culprit here is the hormones that take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride (2). You may catch your significant other laughing at you or making silky jokes about your sensitivities, especially your new ability to turn on the flow of tears for every commercial or difficult communication you have with others. Well, I don’t guarantee this will go away. You’ll probably have to live with it even after childbirth, but you might undoubtedly need to do away with your cable for the time being.
5. Intimacy Goes For A Toss
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The physical intimacy you share with your partner may not be the same anymore. While many would tell you that pregnancy means having higher urges or desires to feel closer to your partner, let’s tell you right away that every person is different (3). This means that after surviving six weeks of morning sickness, you probably waited desperately for things to return to normal. However, by the third semester, your body and emotions do not allow room for romance. All you’ll ask for is sleep — every opportunity away from the public eye will become an excuse to catch up on some sleep.
6. Weird Or Unusual Cravings
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You might suddenly have weird hankering you never did before (4). If you were not a fan of sweets before your pregnancy, you might be binging on some chocolate or ice cream now.
All strides to eat healthily and stay fit can be a big challenge when you’re pregnant. Try sticking to a nutritious diet, but it’s also okay to indulge once in a while. After all, your body is now home to another life, and a little extra indulgence doesn’t harm anyone.
7. Feeling Stuck In The Loo
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All the constant urge to pee can leave you feeling like the toilet is your second home. As hormonal changes make your bladder fill more often, frequent urination is common during pregnancy. While you may get a break from this during your second trimester, it’s said to intensify later in your pregnancy (5). You might become dependent on public restrooms. Since drinking lots of water is essential, you’ll find yourself making repeated trips to the bathroom. And, at one point, you’ll stop being embarrassed to ask for a bathroom break. A word of advice, attend to nature’s call on time, or you’ll be embarrassed more than expected!
No two pregnancies are the same. And it’s best to brace yourself for things you’ve never experienced before if you’re pregnant or planning for it. Yes, pregnancy is full of surprises, some great and a few not-so-much. That said, it’s a beautiful journey; nothing like it will ever touch you in such a profound way. How did your pregnancy surprise you? Do share your experience with us in the comments below!
